wondering if anyone has a source for hydraulic lifter reconditioning/polishing? This is for a full race engine but the rules dont allow for flat tappet or shim under bucket style valvetrain. looking to reduce friction and have better wear characteristics.

TIA

I am not sure I understand why they are not allowing flat tappet valvetrains? The only other option for our car's I am aware of is solid lifters from Lindsey Racing for example, but it's still flat tappet (https://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Parts/SOLIDS8V.html).

944online offers them.
alternatively some folks send lifters out for "DLC" (diamond like coating) or even nitriding for better wear/friction characteristics, check with 928motorsports.

I have a 16V head those vendors only have 8V options

you can buy brand new 16V lifters for about $8 apiece, search rennlist (928 section) for "lightweight VW lifters".

THANKS! found them and going to try hand polishing myself. any word on how strong those lifters are in our applications??

Lifters wear in on a specific lobe on the camshaft. That said, always number the lifters and put them back on the same lobe. Otherwise you'll dramatically increase the wear on both the cam lobe and the lifter. You can send them to Precision Products Perfromance Center in Arden, NC for polishing, but you may find the new VW lifters for the Porsche 16V are cheaper.

New cams? Use new lifters (or PPP polished ones)!

took apart the "light weight" lifters and noticed they're a little thin up top. ill try these for a few hours and post pics and measurements mid season. thanks for the help guys! I had to cut apart the Porsche lifters and it looks like a few of them were pumping down as evident by the markings on the underside shown in the last photo.